UPDATED - MGT309: Principles of Management and Organization

Read Chapter 3 – Planning
This is an important chapter that covers the process of planning. Management revolves around planning to meet nearly all aspects of the organization’s goals. Planning is a core function of the organization’s success and a continuous process. Different types of planning are also discussed.

Read Chapter 4 – Organization
This chapter is important because it covers the organization as a ‘whole structure’ that management is based on. Organization can be used in four different ways. First it is a framework of relationships, an active process, a system, and finally a group of people. There are three approaches to the organization that will be discussed.

Read Chapter 5 – Staffing, Training, and Development
This chapter is important because it covers how managers ensure staffing, training and development are included for organizational success. Selecting the right personnel for roles and projects is as important as ensuring employees are trained and continue to develop in each department. Each of these items is considered a continuous activity and blends into the Human Resources department.

Read Chapter 6 – Directing and Controlling
This chapter covers the importance of managers’ guidance, instructing and controlling of processes to reach organizational goals. Directing is considered a vital process in management. Included in this area of management is supervision, communication, leadership, and motivation. Many examples are included for different scenarios.

Read Chapter 7 – Decision-Making
This chapter is important because it covers the essential task of managers to make decisions. You will learn the different types of decisions and the criteria that apply to each type. Decisions are categorized according to the purpose of outcome and risk, roles, and responsibilities. Decision making models are discussed and applied to a scenario.

Read Chapter 8 – Strategic Management
This chapter is important because it brings all the previous chapters for this week together to meet organizational mission, vision, and goals. This chapter covers decisions and actions managers make for organizational performance. A major outcome of strategic management is combining various functional areas to work in harmony for organizational success.